World’s first AI-assisted brain surgery patient has tumour removed
Hibbert had an 11mm non-cancerous pituitary gland tumour pressing against his optic nerves
In a recent scientific breakthrough, artificial intelligence has made history by assisting the surgeons during brain surgery to remove tumours.
After a successful brain surgery, the 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert became the world's first patient to undergo the AI-assisted procedure.
Hibbert had an 11mm non-cancerous pituitary gland tumour pressing against his optic nerves, thereby causing dizziness, fatigue and declining his peripheral vision.
The AI tool used in the procedure was developed by researchers at UCL and funded by the NIHR and Google. The tool analyzed a live endoscopic video feed in real time.
Speaking about its utility during the surgical procedure, the AI tool advised surgeons on how to avoid significant but hidden vessels and nerves located in the brain.
Displayed on a secondary screen, the AI tracked surgical instruments and highlighted hidden vital structures like the carotid arteries and optic nerves, acting as an "expert second pair of eyes." As a result of its assistance, neurosurgeons Prof Hani Marcus and Mr Danyal Khan successfully removed the tumor as much as possible.
Later Hibbert also reported dramatic improvement in his vision marked by a return to his energy. Even all of his prior side effects disappeared.
"From a patient safety perspective, I can absolutely see the benefit. There are no road signs inside our head," said Hibbert.
"When I opened my eyes after the operation it felt like I had 360-degree vision - I hadn't seen that clearly for a year.”
"I also have my energy back and all of the side effects I was suffering before surgery have gone. It's given me my life back,” he added.
Even the health innovation minister James Frith hailed this success and called it life-changing surgery. He pledged to use the AI constructively for public benefits while ensuring safety.
Given the efficacy of AI tools, researchers ultimately aim to develop a "ChatGPT for surgeons" that can provide real-time advice while keeping human surgeons in full control.
